IN HIS IMAGE - Our mission is to empower the entire family, exalt the dreams of children with special needs and eliminate the barriers they face. We are focused on ministering to our loved ones within the church body as well as reaching out to the entire community with current and vital programs.

Why We Are Here ....

Overall 1 in 5 Americans live with a disability and 85% of marriages fail when a disability is diagnosed in a child. Every day we strive to empower families, exalt their dreams and eliminate the barriers they face by doing the following:  

* Support Groups recognize the importance of understanding and acceptance from others.  Each month parents come together to listen and learn from experts in a variety of areas speak on issues surrounding our loved ones with special needs.
 
* Information & Referral can be a family’s life preserver.  When a disability is diagnosed the road ahead appears long and tiresome.  Many times there are specialists in specific areas that our network of families have worked with as well as Virginia based programs people do not know how to access.  We make the road ahead a little easier for families.
 
* IHIDS’ Interactive Web Site is focused on being interactive and informative at the touch of a button.  We highlight a large variety of disability issues as well as specific Virginia topics.  We also host an interactive Forum where parents can learn from other parents, reach out and listen to other’s experiences and continue to develop relationships.  Who tends to be out best resources?  Other parents!
 
* Advocacy is essential in paving the way for change.  An organization is only as good as its grassroots efforts.  While our programs are important to those we serve, if we don’t aggressively, yet respectfully, try to educate the community as a whole and the elected political leaders; many of our efforts will be in vain.  IHIDS is dedicated to working in partnership with those in our communities as well as elected leaders improve the service system in VA in the hopes to make a positive difference tomorrow.
 
* Parent Resource Center offers is a safe place parents can come, access the Internet and conduct in-depth research as well as study a variety of current and related books on a wide range of topics.  Many in the Shenandoah Valley do not have access to the Internet or the ability to purchase a variety of disability related books.  Public libraries may have a few books, but they tend to be outdated and not on the cutting edge of research.  IHIDS is proud of its Parent Resource Center.   This research center is always growing because science and research is always changing.  These services are offered free of charge.
 
* Church Integration Program provides the opportunity where children can participate in Children’s Church and Nursery programs and adults can serve within a variety of different ministries.   85% of people with a disability do not attend church.  The special needs ministry is a unique ministry within The Church of the Valley (COV).  At COV we have trained volunteers that serve as buddies to provide a safe, loving, and accepting environment for all abilities.
 
*  Recreation Activities through a variety of programs including A League of Our Own where all children of all abilities can enjoy the camaraderie of playing tee-ball with their peers as well as The Fun Bunch where those with special needs and their typical peers socialize and enjoy leisure activities together.

* Respite Program offers a much-needed break for caregivers.  We know that caring for children and those with special needs can be overwhelming and exhausting.  Every month IHIDS hosts a respite program where families can drop both typical and children with special needs off in the care of trained volunteers.  All of our volunteers have undergone background checks to ensure the children’s safety.  

Contact our Executive Director Beth Speidel at 540-636-7779 or visit www.IHIDS.org for more information.